Mr Twigg’s question was answered by rail minister Paul Maynard, who said that construction work on the project will begin next year and that services will commence by the end of 2018.

Mr Maynard said: “Following its inclusion in the Liverpool City Region Growth Deal, Merseytravel is managing the development and delivery, via Network Rail of the devolved Halton Curve scheme on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

“Construction work on the scheme is expected to begin in June 2017 and be complete by Spring 2018.

“Merseytravel anticipate that services will commence between Liverpool and Chester at the December 2018 timetable change, following the finalisation of agreements with operators and staff training.”